Steelers look sharp as week one draws to a close

When the team emerged in the afternoon, an estimated crowd of 8,500 saw the Black and Gold deliver one of their best practices of the week.

"It was a good, competitive practice," head coach Bill Cowher said. "Really, I thought it was our best practice of the week on both sides of the ball. It was crisp, it was competitive. I thought we were able to pick up some things. I thought we executed some things better than we have. I just like the tempo and I really liked the execution on both sides."

Cowher ended the afternoon practice by giving quarterback Ben Roethlisberger less than two minutes to drive the offense 80 yards to score. He did so, throwing a scoring pass estimated at 70 yards to wide receiver Cedrick Wilson.

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The Steelers will conclude their first week of training camp with a 12:15 p.m. practice today. The players then will be off until a team meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

"Well, I don't want to single anybody out," said Cowher when asked if he had gotten any pleasant surprises from the first week. "Some of these guys are becoming more comfortable. Some of the linemen are starting to get a good feel for what the offense can do. We've had a chance to see a number of receivers. Everyday, maybe some guy kind of steps up.

"I think by the time we get to the preseason opener on the Monday night against Philadelphia, I think these guys will start to feel confident in the system. Then we'll get a chance to actually assess them as players."

Porter sounds off

Linebacker Joey Porter knows how to take trash talking to a new level. Flashback to last season when Porter and Cleveland Browns running back William Green squared off near midfield, wildly throwing punches at each other before the Nov. 14 game began.

The altercation resulted in both being ejected before the opening kickoff and added another chapter to the NFL's nastiest rivalry, which had lost some of its snarl the past few years.

The NFL wants to avoid a repeat performance this season, not only by Porter and Green, but by every other player in the league as well.

That's why one of the points of emphasis that NFL officials will be focusing on is sportsmanship. They hope to eliminate taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct such as prolonged, excessive and choreographed celebrations.

The NFL will also be implementing several other rules changes this season, including many which are designed to increase scoring and protect the offensive players.

The always outspoken Porter had plenty to say on that subject following Friday afternoon's practice session.

"The way I look at that is, you stay on your side of the 50-yard line and I'll stay on mine and we won't have any problems," Porter said. "But as far as putting a muzzle on players and telling them they can't talk (trash), I'm mean at some point and time we're all grown men.

"They made it clear that the fans want to see more touchdowns. They want the offense to make more plays. All the rules (changes) are for the defense, what we can't do. They don't want no more shutouts. …I understand protecting the quarterback, but a lot of the different rules, I don't agree with them."

Porter also gave his thoughts on another new rule that prevents any unnecessary contact with kickers or punters.

"They're not really football players anyway," Porter said. "They want to be protected at all times. You can't even touch them."

Injury update

"We went into the gym this morning to save their legs, and James Harrison hurt his knee," said Cowher. "I think he'll be back out here (today). Travis Kirschke should be back out at practice on Monday, and Duce Staley will be practicing (today). I am giving Jerome Bettis the day off; he'll be off (today) and Sunday and come back on Monday. I think where Jerome is in his career, I just have to be smart about it. He looks like he's in pretty good shape right now and he's in pretty good form. And he's been terrific though training camp so I think he'll be fine."